Bobcats bringing ex-Wizards guard Crittenton to camp

Posted Sep 22 2010 12:55PM

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- The Charlotte Bobcats will bring Javaris Crittenton to training camp with a non-guaranteed contract, giving the ex-Washington Wizards point guard a chance to return to the NBA following his infamous gun altercation with Gilbert Arenas.

Crittenton didn't play last season because of an ankle injury and then served a 38-game suspension after he and Arenas acknowledged bringing guns into the locker room following a dispute stemming from a card game on a team flight.

The 22-year-old Crittenton pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor gun charge Jan. 25 and received probation. He wasn't re-signed by the Wizards.

Agent Mark Bartelstein said Wednesday he's had discussions with Bobcats coach Larry Brown and general manager Rod Higgins throughout the summer about the 6-foot-5 Crittenton, who has recovered following left ankle surgery.

"He had surgery to remove a bone spur and he's completely healthy now," Bartelstein said. "He's excited about the opportunity."

The Bobcats are looking for backcourt help after losing Raymond Felton to New York in free agency. Crittenton will join last year's backup at point guard, D.J. Augustin, along with newly signed Shaun Livingston and undrafted rookie Sherron Collins when camp opens Tuesday.

Higgins didn't immediately return a phone message seeking comment.

Crittenton, who played at Georgia Tech, was the 19th overall pick by the Lakers in 2007. He played little with Los Angeles and was sent to Memphis in the Pau Gasol deal his rookie year. He was traded to Washington in December 2008.

Crittenton, who has averaged 5.3 points and 1.8 assists in 113 NBA games, becomes another reclamation project with the Bobcats.

Charlotte signed oft-criticized former No. 1 overall pick Kwame Brown this summer. Livingston is attempting a comeback from a severe knee injury. So is Darius Miles, who will come to camp with a non-guaranteed deal. The Bobcats last year traded for Stephen Jackson, who has had off-court trouble.

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